The Whole Family is Affected by Alzheimer's Disease

When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it is devastating news for all.  Family members may quickly start experiencing feelings of grief as they recognize their life is about to be changed by the disease and are uneasy about what the future will hold.  Most are left with questions about what to expect next.  

As Alzheimer’s begins to take away the person we know and love, the Alzheimer’s Association explains that, “you'll mourn him or her and may experience the different phases of grieving: denial, anger, guilt, sadness and acceptance.”  They remind us that feelings of grief do not come in a specific order but rather we go in and out of the various stages.

Feelings of denial include unrealistically hoping the person is not ill or expecting them to get better.  Others try to convince themselves their loved one has not changed or try to normalize and make excuses for their behaviors.  Anger may include being frustrated with the person or feeling abandoned.  You may also experience feelings of resentment with the demands of caregiving and/or resent others who are not helping with care.   

Guilt includes having unrealistic thoughts about what you should have done or feeling guilty if you do not visit every day.  A spouse that is well and still able to enjoy life may feel guilty that their husband or wife is no longer able to do so.  Others may have negative feelings such as wishing the person would die or go away.  

The Alzheimer’s Association says you need to face both your positive as well as negative feelings.  They also say to be prepared to go through feelings of loss more than once as the disease progresses.  Remember your grief is a part of your journey, and if you need help, talk with someone about your feelings.  

Along with assisted living, MorningStar of West San Jose will offer compassionate and loving Alzheimers care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Our memory care residents will be treated with the dignity and respect they deserve and spend each day in an atmosphere that celebrates and elevates their lives. Please visit our website for more information about our beautiful new senior living community scheduled to open in June.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating true homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living in San Jose, CA.

Clinical Trial Results Show Promise for Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment

Researchers from pharmaceutical companies Biogen and Eisai announced promising results from a clinical trial for Alzheimer’s disease. They report a monoclonal antibody treatment, called lecanemab, “reduced cognitive decline by 27% in people with early-stage Alzheimer’s compared with those on a placebo after a year and a half.” 

While there a still a lot of questions as earlier studies with similar drugs have cleared amyloid plaques in the brain, which are clumps of protein that disrupt neurons and other cells, but they have not helped Alzheimer’s patient’s symptoms. According to researchers, lecanemab is the first to do so; however, the study only included 1795 people in early-stage Alzheimer’s. 

Scientists say one reason why lecanemab is showing positive results while other similar drugs have not, is because it works a bit differently. Jonathan Jackson, a cognitive neuroscientist at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) explains the drug aducanumab primarily binds to amyloid protein after it has clumped together. Lecanemab starts working in an earlier stage, targeting “protofibrils.” These are strands that will most likely consolidate into plaque but haven’t done so yet. 

Although there are still a lot of questions regarding the efficacy of lecanemab, doctors hope future studies will provide a clearer picture. Meanwhile, people and their families who participated in the study expressed gratitude at having the opportunity to be a part of a study “where the drug actually worked, against a backdrop of repeated failures to develop effective Alzheimer’s medications.”

MorningStar of San Jose assisted living and alzheimers care community is scheduled to open in the spring of 2023. Our beautiful new community will provide all the luxury amenities, alzheimers care services, and wellness programs residents need to age in place comfortably and safely. Please contact us to learn more about exceptional senior living at MorningStar. We look forward to hearing from you.

MorningStar of San Jose’s mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and alzheimers care.

Sources: 

science.org/content/article/five-big-questions-about-new-alzheimer-s-treatment

statnews.com/2022/10/20/front-of-alzheimers-patients-in-successful-drug-trial/

Services Designed to Enhance Seniors’ Independence

If a loved one is starting to slow down and would welcome assistance with personal daily care or have mobility issues requiring major renovations to their existing home, it may be time to think about assisted living. While there may be several communities to choose from, it is useful to have some insight into your parents’ needs when evaluating senior living communities. 

A Place for Mom, an Internet referral service, explains a good place to start is to “compare factors like staff friendliness, amenities, and overall culture.” If you plan to do a virtual tour or onsite visit, come prepared with a list of questions regarding costs, care plans, amenities, programming, and general lifestyle and culture. They also say use your nose. Does the community smell pleasant?  

During your visit, observe residents. Do they seem engaged, happy? Are they encouraged to participate in activities and events? Ask to see the community’s calendar of activities. If your parents love to garden, does the community have raised garden beds and a gardening club? If mom or dad is no longer driving, does the community offer scheduled transportation to doctor visits and other appointments? Do they do outside trips to area malls and local parks?  

Remember your loved one’s suites are where they will sleep but the community as a whole is where they will live so are the common rooms inviting? How about the outside areas? Is there a nice courtyard or terrace where they can sit and relax on a nice day? If mom or dad enjoys a glass of wine before dinner, is it available? Other things to ask about include the meal service, the community’s ability to handle both present and future care needs and how emergencies are handled? 

MorningStar at Laurelhurst is MorningStar’s newest senior living Portland, OR offers and has 83 assisted living suites and another 32 suites devoted to those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of memory impairment. Our company was founded in 2003 and now operates 32 senior living communities across the Western US including MorningStar of Beaverton, MorningStar of Happy Valley and MorningStar of Hillsboro. We open to residents in December 2022 and invite you to contact us to reserve your select suite. 

How to Encourage Your Parent to Move to a Senior Living Community

Millions of people each year struggle with transitioning their parents to senior living communities. The transition isn’t always easy, especially for parents struggling with health issues or memory issues like dementia and Alzheimer’s. 

Sometimes it takes a bit of encouragement to convince a parent that transitioning to assisted care is the best course of action. Here are a few tips on how to approach the subject in a careful and compassionate way.

Talk Through the Options

Encouraging a parent to move to assisted or independent living starts with a conversation. Take the time to sit down with your parent to talk about their situation, their feelings, and all of the options. 

Simply being deliberate and thorough about the options on the table will leave everyone involved more at peace and more confident moving forward.

Go for a Tour

The great thing about touring independent and assisted living communities is that there’s no commitment. You are free to tour any facility with your loved one without obligation or pressure to move in. Framing the tour in this way should help alleviate uneasiness and will allow your parent to see what the communities have to offer.

Talk to Current Residents

One of the most effective ways to gather information about what it’s like to transition to senior living is to talk to seniors who have already made the move. Current residents will be able to speak about their experiences and offer advice to someone considering making the move. 

There are several ways to get in touch with current senior living residents. Your parent can join a community senior group, reach out to a friend or acquaintance, or even request to speak to a resident at a community they’re interested in.

Give Them Control

When encouraging your parent to move into a senior living community, it’s important to let them have as much control of the situation as possible. The last thing you want is to force them into a living situation they’re not comfortable with. 

Many times the transition will not happen overnight. It can take weeks or months to get them comfortable with the idea and letting them control the planning process and the conversation around the move can go a long way.

MorningStar of Sparks

MorningStar of Sparks strives to provide the highest-quality assisted and independent living community in the industry. Our compassionate team of professionals, along with our top-of-the-line community and amenities, aim to ensure that all of our residents feel valued, comfortable, and able to make the most of their retirement. 

We offer a variety of care options from independent living to memory care, and we’re ready to help you transition a parent to a community when they’re ready. Call us today to learn more about our services. 

Want to Maintain Your Independence? Stay Social

Most of us know physical exercise is important to healthy aging. It can help us recover from injury, ease chronic pain, fight off depression and boost our energy level; but just as important are social connections. We are social beings and interacting with others has a big impact on our overall health. 

The American Public Health Association reports socialization improves mood, cognition, memory recall, and is associated with healthy behaviors, including exercise. The National Institutes of Health reports elderly adults’ social participation reduces loneliness, depression and stress; and a robust social life enhances quality of life, self-efficacy and self-esteem. 

Michael Rambarose, President and CEO of the Whitney Center, a Life Care community in Hamden, CT, writes, “Socialization is like the secret ingredient that makes a healthy senior lifestyle come together.” Although he is quick to add its psychological benefits shouldn’t be kept secret. He explains, “We encourage the seniors that we serve and work with to make their social lives a priority. The people and loved ones we share life with can give everything else we do more meaning.”

Another positive consequence of socialization in older adults is it keeps the brain sharp and may even decrease the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease or slow it down. At MorningStar at Laurelhurst, we understand the importance of community and staying engaged. Through purposeful, wellness programs and activities promoting physical, intellectual, spiritual and social connections; residents can choose how busy they wish to be each day. In addition we provide senior care and hospitality services along with luxury amenities and a choice of floor plans designed to feel like home. 

Our new senior living in Portland’s historic Laurelhurst District offers 83 assisted living suites and 32 suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please contact us to reserve your select suite and ask about our “Move-in Specials.” We open to residents in the last quarter of 2022. 

The Benefits of Independent Living Communities

Statistics show approximately one million Americans reside in some type of senior living community, and by 2030, the number is expected to double. At the same time, the number of seniors 85 and older is projected to triple from 5.7 million in 2011 to 14.1 million in 2040. Within the category of senior living, there are several options available for older adults including independent living (also known as retirement communities), which is specifically designed for adults 55+.

The reason so many seniors are turning to independent living is they love the many advantages it offers. To start with residents’ get peace of mind with predictable budgeting and not having to worry about unexpected repairs or costs associated with home maintenance. Another important perk of independent living communities is built-in companionship, and in many cases, activities and programming, and tasty meals they no longer have to cook. 

Senior living communities like MorningStar of Idaho Falls allow seniors to enjoy stress-free retirement years, extend their independence and continue the adventure. We offer stylish floor plans including one and two-bedrooms units with a choice of one or two-baths.  In addition, we have 12 cottages with two-bedroom, two bath floor plans, some with over 1,400 square feet of space.  Each independent living suite is designed for your every comfort and comes equipped with a kitchen with full appliances, maple shaker cabinets, and a private patio or balcony.  Cottage residents enjoy a ceiling fan, fireplace, and a one car garage.

If you are a senior requiring a little help with daily personal care, we have 66 assisted living suites and another 28 secure suites for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments. We are proud of the loving atmosphere that permeates throughout our home and attribute this to our exceptional care team that has helped to make our home the top choice for area families.  Please visit our website for contact information and to learn more about our various senior living options as well as pricing and availability. We look forward to welcoming you to your new home.

MorningStar of Idaho Falls provides the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create an atmosphere that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle.  Please contact us to learn more about exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care at MorningStar.

Senior Living Offering It All

For older adults who are considering a move to senior living, we recommend taking a look at MorningStar of Parker for the area’s finest independent living, assisted living and memory care. Due to the high demand driven by our excellent reputation, our community has continued to grow since its inception in 2012 and now includes three buildings. It also means along with several senior living care options, we offer a wide range of suite selections in varying floor plans and configurations as well as the ability to accommodate different budgets. 

Part of our appeal to area seniors is our genuine, inviting family atmosphere. Our original building houses 45 assisted living suites in studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans over two levels. For those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, our Reflections Neighborhood offers trusted, comprehensive memory care with 19 studios in our original building and 24 more studios and one-bedrooms in an adjoining building which opened in December 2014.

In January of 2016, MorningStar of Parker opened our third building on the southern end of our expansive campus. This building is intended for seniors who are searching for luxury independent living and assisted living. The interior designer, Thoma-Holec Design was awarded 3rd place in the category of “Special Function Spaces” for our Great Room at the 2016 American Society of Interior Designers’ award ceremony. The four-story building features 49 independent living suites and 54 assisted living suites (as large as 1609 square feet, including three styles of penthouses).

Our mission statement to honor God, value seniors and invest in our team sets us apart from other senior living communities. We invite you to visit our website to see the full list of our amenities, various floor plans and to learn more about our community, our company’s philosophy and our dedicated team. Use our quick link to check on availability, pricing or to set up a tour as well as to ask about our “Move-in Special - $2022 OFF for up to two months.”

Meet the Newest Senior Living in Portland

More and more seniors are discovering the value of retirement communities. Not only do they provide a comfortable home to safely age in place but many also offer a wide array of luxury amenities, care and hospitality services and wellness programs and activities. 

Portland’s newest retirement community is located in the historic Laurelhurst District, and offers the first opportunity for long-time residents to continue to live in familiar surroundings or near their family. MorningStar at Laurelhurst 5-story, 146,000 square feet building has 83 smartly-designed private suites in various configurations including studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floorplans for assisted living. For individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, we provide 32 suites devoted to their care.

As a resident, you will receive the services needed to help maintain your independence and allow you to get back to living life on your own terms. Once you decide MorningStar at Laurelhurst is where you want to live, we work together to create an Individualized Service Plan that includes trained, compassionate 24/7 care managers, access to licensed nurses, medication management and more. Our carefree lifestyle additionally offers convenient underground parking and luxury amenities such as an art studio, library, theater, bistro, salon, fitness center, private dining room, club room, sky terrace and courtyard.

MorningStar’s wellness programs and activities provide physical, intellectual, spiritual or social engagement, encouraging residents to stay active and productive for man’s good and God’s glory. Activities range from targeted exercise classes, crafting, art classes, trivia, board and card games, gardening clubs and much more. Movie nights, special events and local talent ensure residents are as entertained as they wish to be. Moreover if we don’t have a class in something you have a special interest in, we encourage you to start one. 

MorningStar at Laurelhurst is near to Portland Medical Center, shopping centers and nature areas including Laurelhurst Park. Please visit our website for more information regarding our community, our company’s history and contact information or to reserve a select suite as we expect to be one of the more popular choices for Portland senior living. Our community is scheduled to open in December 2022.